Your studies in this area will develop knowledge and skills to design, build and manage systems that transfer, store and manage information via wireless, cable, optical fibre, and satellite communications. In your fourth and fifth years you’ll be able to specialise in either communication engineering or network engineering.

This program is taught by experts in their fields. Laboratory experiments are used to consolidate theories, and a strong focus on design and research ensures our graduates are highly skilled professionals.

You’ll have the opportunity to design creative solutions through inspiring and sustainable design-and-build projects, as well as taking part in the Engineers Without Borders Challenge - a humanitarian-focused course offered in all RMIT engineering degrees.

The School of Engineering and the School of Science have extensive links with industry through their Industry Advisory Committees, and through research projects and consulting services.

Membership of these Committees includes practising engineers or external members drawn from a diverse industry base and institutions.

Their involvement ensures that the program remains relevant to your needs as a graduate, and to the needs of employers, by providing feedback on the currency of the programs and the changing needs of industry. They also contribute significantly through input into the design of new programs.

Years 1, 2 and 3

In the first three years, you will learn the fundamentals of computer science and telecommunications engineering, plus the mathematics and physics that support these disciplines.

All engineering students will also study an Introduction to Engineering course, incorporating a humanitarian-focused Engineers Without Borders Challenge. You’ll have the opportunity to extend this aspect of your studies by completing an Engineers Without Borders elective, enabling you to experience humanitarian engineering first-hand.

Years 4 and 5

Your final two years are specialisation years, aiming at making you work-ready. You will develop advanced skills in computer science and telecommunication technologies.

Your final-year (capstone) project will develop and reinforce the skills and knowledge you need - as defined by Engineers Australia - to commence your professional engineering career.

You will develop professional skills in research, problem solving, teamwork, leadership, project management and communication.

You’ll also complete a work-integrated learning (industry experience) elective in Year 2, 3 or 4.

Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers.

Engineers Australia is a signatory to the Washington Accord. This means that the program is internationally recognised, and graduates are able to practise as professional engineers in many countries around the world.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic & Communication Engineering (Hons)/Bachelor of Computer Science are eligible for graduate and/or professional membership of Engineers Australia.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic & Communication Engineering ) (Hons)/Bachelor of Computer Science is also accredited to Professional Level by the Australian Computer Society, which accredits information and communication technology related programs in Australia.

Admissions

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.

RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.

Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).

Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)

Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study

Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.

Applicants with Higher Education study

Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.

You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:

You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and

You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.

VCE units 3 and 4 -a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics.

For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access

This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

understand more about the program

determine if you may need support during your studies

make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.

In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.